Religion in Public Schools

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Transcript of Religion in Public Schools

Public SchoolsReligion inLet's look at some Stats:Did you know:• Many people believe that prayer is not allowed in the public schools. This is wrong.• Prayer is allowed in schools and in fact is a protected form of free speech.• If a school has as few as one extra-curricular student led or student organized group then students have a legal right to organize a bible or other religious club to meet outside classroom time.• The one place where prayer is not normally permitted is in the classroom itself when class is in session.

What is expected of teachers:• As interpreted by the courts, the Constitution's First Amendment requires that public school teachers, principals, and boards be religiously neutral: They may not promote a particular religion as being superior to any other. They may not promote religion in general as superior to a secular approach to life.They may not promote secularism in general as superior to a religious approach to life.They may not be antagonistic to religion in general or a particular religious belief in particular.They may not be antagonistic to secularism.They must neither advance nor inhibit religion.Should religion be taught in the public school curriculum? What do you think.What percent of the American population claims to be affiliated with a religion?Line-UpWhat percent of the American population claims to be affiliated with a religion?Line-UpWhat percent of the American population claims to be affiliated with a religion?Line-UpAmerican StatisticsAmerican StatisticsAmerican StatisticsWhat did religion in the classroom use to look like?How it can still be seen todayReligious ClubsWhat Teachers have to say...To better understand this topic and how it might occur in our future classrooms, we talked to a few teachers to get some valuable input!Kendra – 3rd Grade TeacherLet the kids talk about it if they bring it up.If off topic steer the kids back to what they are discussing.Example: Why the pilgrims came to America.

If need to seek advice, she would ask the counselor or principal.

"How do you approach religion in your classroom?""Who do you seek after for advice?"Angie - 1st GradeKids will frequently bring up topics like this. Just know that it is alright to let them talk about it, as long as you don't promote your beliefs.

Your facility members and administrators are some of the best resources you will have when seeking advice. Even after 17 years of teaching, I still find myself asking for input in tough situations.

"How do you approach religion in your classroom?""Who do you seek after for advice?""How do you approach religion in your classroom and who do you ask for advice?""Religion is a big part of my classroom because I teach in a Catholic school. We try to incorporate Catholic values in everything we teach. We discuss how our religion compares to other religions but do not put other religions down. We teach our students to share their beliefs in our classrooms and to care for others. If I have any questions, I ask the principal."Addressing Common Misconceptions What the Constitution Prohibits: Requiring students to recite prayers in class Public prayers at high school games An individual student or groups of students are free to pray. To prevent this would violate free speech rights. Teachers, coaches, etc. cannot lead a group prayer. To do so would be viewed as a school endorsement of a specific religion.Promoting any one denomination or religion at the expense of another.Banning the wearing of religion clothing and symbolsPrayers before Board of Education meetingsWhat the Constitution Allows: Prayer at graduation ceremonies Teaching religion Student religious clubs Moments of silence Prayer outside of school building School religion speechThese rights are constitutionally protected as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly rights.

A Look into the History of Religion in Public Schools1787: Congress states: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall be forever encouraged." 1890: Supreme Court rules that America "is a religious people... this is a Christian nation" as such it is fitting that its people would teach their children the Christian faith. (The Trinity Case)1925: Bible readings becomes an everyday part in the public school system. 1948: Religious Instruction becomes Prohibited in Public SchoolsMcCollum vs. Board of Education: Supreme Court rules that this violates the First Amendment.1952: Public Schools are able to accommodate religious instruction. 1954: "One Nation under God" is added to the Pledge of Allegiance. In the 50'sThe 60's 1962: Voluntary Prayer is deemed Unconstitutional 1963: Workers may keep the Sabbath The 80's1980: Posting of the Ten Commandments is Unconstitutional 1985: No more "Moment of Silence" 1987: Creation vs. Evolution requires balanced treatment 1992: Prayers at Graduation no longer allowed2000: Prayers before Football games become Unconstitutional 1990- TodayAll of these events have helped shape our public school into what it is today. References: 178718901925194819521954196219631980198519871992200019681995